Responsible Parties

Establishing Fault in an Ohio Car Accident

Most car accident claims are based on negligence, which occurs when someone fails to exercise reasonable care while driving. To successfully pursue compensation, you must show that the at-fault party:

• Owed you a duty of care (such as obeying traffic laws)

• Breached that duty through a specific action or inaction (e.g., speeding, texting, DUI)

• Caused your injuries as a direct result of that breach

• Caused you actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering

Ohio follows a comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Car Accident?

While it’s often the driver who is at fault, other individuals or entities may share liability depending on the circumstances. These may include:

• Another Driver – If they were speeding, distracted, or driving under the influence.

• An Employer – If the driver was operating a vehicle as part of their job duties.

• A Vehicle Manufacturer – If a mechanical failure or defective part contributed to the accident.

• A Government Entity – If unsafe road conditions, poor signage, or missing traffic signals played a role.

Identifying every potentially liable party is essential to maximizing your compensation. Our legal team at Mike Christensen Law Offices will leave no stone unturned in identifying the cause of the accident.

Proving Liability: Evidence That Strengthens Your Case

To prove who is at fault in a car accident, it’s critical to gather and preserve the right evidence. Your Columbus car accident lawyer will work quickly to collect:

• Police reports detailing the crash and any citations issued

• Witness statements that support your version of events

• Accident reconstruction by experts to explain how the collision occurred

• Dashcam or surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras

• Vehicle damage inspections that reveal the force and direction of the impact

Our team will coordinate all aspects of the investigation to ensure your claim is supported by compelling, well-documented evidence.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Ohio

Driver negligence remains one of the top causes of vehicle collisions across Ohio. At Mike Christensen Law Offices, we regularly represent clients injured due to:

• Speeding and failure to adjust for road or weather conditions

• Distracted driving, such as texting or using in-car devices

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

• Reckless driving, including aggressive lane changes or tailgating

• Drowsy or fatigued driving, which impairs attention and reaction time

If the other driver violated traffic laws or acted irresponsibly, they may be held liable for your injuries and damages.

Accidents Caused by Vehicle Defects or Malfunctions

In some cases, the accident may not be the driver’s fault—but rather a mechanical defect in the vehicle. Common examples include:

• Faulty brakes

• Defective tires

• Airbag malfunctions

• Steering or transmission failures

In these situations, the vehicle manufacturer or a parts supplier may be held liable under product liability laws. Our firm works with auto defect experts to determine if your accident was caused by a manufacturing or design flaw.

Get Help from a Car Accident Attorney in Columbus, OH

Determining fault after a car accident is not always simple. Multiple parties may be involved, evidence may be contested, and insurance companies often try to avoid paying full compensation. That’s where we come in.

At Mike Christensen Law Offices, we’re committed to protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery. Our experienced legal team will handle every aspect of your case—from investigating the accident and identifying the at-fault party to negotiating with insurance adjusters or taking your case to court if necessary.

How Mike Christensen Law Offices Can Help You 

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming—especially when you’re dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and lost wages. At Mike Christensen Law Offices, our experienced car accident lawyers in Columbus are here to help you pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries and financial losses.

Whether you were involved in a minor collision or a serious crash, we are committed to holding the at-fault party accountable and guiding you every step of the way.

✅ Thorough Case Investigation

Our legal team begins every case with a comprehensive investigation. We gather vital evidence including:

• Police and accident reports

• Photos or videos from the scene

• Witness statements

• Medical records

• Insurance documentation

This allows us to build a compelling claim that clearly demonstrates the other party’s negligence and your right to Columbus car accident compensation.

✅ Aggressive Insurance Negotiation

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our Columbus car accident attorneys are skilled negotiators who understand the tactics insurers use—and we’re not afraid to push back. We advocate for the maximum settlement you’re entitled to, covering everything from medical expenses to pain and suffering.

✅ Strong Litigation Support

If negotiations fail to yield a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial. With in-depth knowledge of Ohio car accident laws, we present a powerful case in court to secure the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

✅ Personalized Legal Guidance

We understand that every car accident case is unique. As your trusted personal injury attorney in Columbus, Mike Christensen provides hands-on representation, tailored strategies, and direct access throughout your case. You won’t get passed off to paralegals—you’ll speak directly with your lawyer.

✅ No Upfront Legal Fees – You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

We believe justice should be accessible. That’s why our Columbus car accident law firm works on a contingency fee basis. You pay no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. There’s no risk in reaching out—and everything to gain. 

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Let Mike Christensen Law Offices fight for the Columbus car accident compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and only get paid if you win.